HISTORY: Making his first appearance in Strange Tales #110, in July 1963, Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange was previously a surgeon until a vehicle accident ended his career. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Doctor Strange has been in and out of Marvel lore since his first appearance. Doctor Strange's team affiliations include The Order, Midnight Sons, Illuminati, New Avengers and most notably The Defenders.
FIRST GLANCE: By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth! Leave it to Jean St. Jean to stick his hands into the comic books and pull out a figure. In its packaging, the figure comes with a two piece Sanctum Sanctorum base, an energy effect and an Eye of Agamotto Amulet, as well as the Eye of Agamotto sort of used as a broach, keeping the cape together. As most Marvel Selects, the sculpt stands out the most and Jean St. Jean and Diamond Select pulled this one off.
PROS: Like most standard sized selects from Jean St. Jean, it does come with accessories and who doesn't like that? Detailing on the window base is clean with minimal paint bleed. The cape, although it's a thick material, doesn't compromise balancing and naturally wraps around the figure. The wash on the cape gives it a worn effect and doesn't make it appear over vibrant. Head sculpt is probably better than any picture could depict. This is truly a figure better in person than in photos. The arm articulation and hinge wrists make for decent posing, but I'll address more posing concerns with the cons. Despite the array of use of the color spectrum, every color stands out on their own and there isn't as much paint bleed into other areas. The metal chain amulet is a nice nod to the old selects too, something we haven't seen in a long while.
CONS: Well as many had desired, there won't be any meditation poses for this figure. There are no thigh swivels and the lower tunic is kinda stiff. Even though the legs would probably do a split, the tunic compromises at least 30° of motion in every direction. Only other main gripes are more factory than design. There were a few figures that were placed into the plastic and ties awkwardly and I'd be concerned whether the double knee joints would suffer because of that. It would require the pegs be popped out and the joints heated and straightened. That's mainly it though. The energy effect is awkward that it seems incomplete as a semi-circle but it all depends on the angle.
ARTICULATION:
360° head with move restricted by the cape (removeable)
Ball shoulders with bicep swivel
Ball elbows
Forearm swivel
Hinge wrists
360° waist with no torso articulation
T-style hips
Double knees
Roller ankles
RECOMMENDATION: This figure easily can find it's place in the better half of all Marvel Selects but is no means a greatest hit. If the lower body articulation were better, I would be saying much better things about this figure. At the moment, it's still $25 but many Jean St. Jean figures typically double their value after a year. You might see a reissue around the time of the 2016 film release, but who knows. As a completist, you've got time to let this one sit around but don't get lazy.
It's always nice to have a new character and Dr. Strange surely will fit into your display! Remember to Like Us on Facebook to keep informed about the good stuff.